Just like a county fair, people count on the return of Swing into Spring Senior Expo as a harbinger of the season and this year was no exception. The 12th Annual Maine Township MaineStreamers Swing into Spring Senior Expo recently drew one of the largest crowds ever to Golf Mill Shopping Center and was a hit with attendees and exhibitors alike.
Lil Hutchins who attended every expo since the event came to Golf Mill in 2006 says, “I came to play Bingo and of course to see Vito Zatto. He’s great. I love MaineStreamers and all the activities the organization provides.”
Gwynne Chovanec, Director of Older Adult Services and Senior Advocate—Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, says that she wouldn’t miss this senior expo. “It gives us a chance to connect with the folks that we need to reach.”
According to Nancy Arnold, Director of Business Development for Brookdale Senior Living, hundreds of seniors visited the Brookdale table. “We are in the process of scheduling follow up visits with multiple people who were interested in more information about Brookdale Niles and Brookdale Des Plaines,” she said. “Brookdale will gladly participate next year.”
Other exhibitors echo that feeling. Andrew Wayda, a physical therapist with Athletico in Des Plaines, and Shawn Abraham, a physical therapist with Athletico in Park Ridge, were on hand to talk to seniors about how physical therapy can address chronic pain or help with recovery from an injury or surgery.
Seniors were able to visit the Illinois Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Facility which was on hand for renewal, replacement and corrections to driver’s license/state identification cards, vision screening with a driver’s license renewal, vehicle sticker sales, motor voter registration and organ/tissue donor information and registration.
Entertainment, health screenings and dozens of exhibiting organizations and companies, highlighted the day that featured Vito Zatto in his high-energy Las Vegas-style nightclub show. Early Bird Bingo, Get Up and Go Stretches with Athletico, magician Marco the Magnificent, a MaineStreamers Zumba Gold demonstration and raffles throughout the day rounded out the action.
“Our expo continues to be a signature event with our Maine Township senior population,” said Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask who also sponsored the popular Early Bird Bingo. “And this year was no exception.”
The Senior Expo may welcome spring, but that is just one activity that is part of MaineStreamers broad array of educational programs and recreational activities that enhance the quality of life for Maine Township residents 55 years of age and older. For more information about Maine Township and its MaineStreamers department, call 847-297-2510 or visit the Maine Township website at www.mainetownship.com.